Matsya Purana — Manvantaras, Shloka 72

Devanagari script

यथान्धकारे खद्योतः सहसा सम्प्रदृश्यते तथा निवृत्तो ह्यव्यक्तः खद्योत इव संज्वलन् //

Transliteration

yathāndhakāre khadyotaḥ sahasā sampradṛśyate tathā nivṛtto hyavyaktaḥ khadyota iva saṃjvalan //

Translation

جیسے اندھیرے میں جگنو اچانک دکھائی دیتا ہے، ویسے ہی جب من بیرونی موضوعات سے پلٹ آئے تو اَویَکت جگنو کی طرح دہک کر روشن ہو جاتا ہے۔

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• andhakāre: in darkness

• khadyotaḥ: a firefly

• sahasā: suddenly

• sampradṛśyate: is clearly seen/comes into view

• tathā: so, in the same way

• nivṛttaḥ: turned back/withdrawn (from externality)

• hi: indeed

• avyaktaḥ: the Unmanifest (subtle, not perceptible)

• khadyota iva: like a firefly

• saṃjvalan: blazing, glowing intensely

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Avyakta (the Unmanifest principle)

Tags

• Avyakta
• Nivritti
• Yoga
• Moksha
• Inner Light

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It points to the Avyakta (unmanifest) as a subtle ground that is not grasped outwardly; it becomes evident when perception withdraws inward—an idea often used to explain how the causal state underlies manifestation and withdrawal.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It emphasizes nivṛtti (inner restraint and withdrawal from excessive sense-pursuit). For a king or householder, this supports disciplined governance and ethical living: act in the world, yet regularly return the mind inward through self-control and contemplation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the imagery functions as a contemplative instruction—ritual and discipline are implied as supports for inward turning, by which subtle truth becomes perceptible.